Fragrance signaling of an event

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for signaling an event using fragrance are disclosed. A fragrance emitting device is activated to a low battery voltage indicator in an electronic device, serving as a warning to replace the battery, either in place of or complimentary to conventional indicators such as warning lights or audible signals. The fragrance emitting system can be integrated into the electronic device itself or can be part of the battery.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for usingfragrance to signal an event.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Fragrance signaling has many uses and potential benefits, forexample, fragrance can be dispersed to enhance an environment. Fragrancecan also be used to signal unsafe conditions for the hearing or visuallyimpaired.

[0003] There are numerous systems that utilize electromechanical devicesto dispense fragrance into an environment. For example, U.S. Pat. No.6,282,458, issued to Murayama, et al., the contents of which areincorporated by reference, discloses a system for releasing fragranceinto an environment based on feedback from sensors that measure theenvironment into which the fragrance is released. The feedback resultsin the fragrance being emitted so as to give the impression ofdirectionality. U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,987 issued to Ohsuga, et al., thecontents incorporated by reference, discloses a virtual realityenvironment adapted for use with exercise equipment that releasesfragrance according to the performance of the exercise as the user“moves” through the virtual reality environment. Similarly, U.S. Pat.No. 6,239,857 issued to Wittek, the contents incorporated by reference,discloses a device for adding fragrance to an environment synchronizedwith an audiovisual presentation.

[0004] It is also known to use fragrance for safety purposes. Forexample, Nissan Motors has proposed a system in which a camera detectsvehicle operator drowsiness and uses the release of a stimulatingfragrance to warn and combat the drowsiness. This system is disclosed,for example in the Nov. 1, 1995 edition of the Detroit News in anarticle entitled “The Science of Crash Avoidance” and in U.S. Pat. No.5,31 1,877 issued to Kishi and incorporated by reference. Anotherexample of using fragrance to avoid danger is U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,092issued to Dunne, et al. and incorporated by reference, which disclosesan evacuation assistance system that is triggered by a signal from asmoke detector to create a “trail” of a fragrance to direct occupants ofa building to an exit.

[0005] Numerous safety devices and devices of a critical nature operateon battery power. Often, the battery life is variable and cannot bejudged by time alone or by performance. Existing devices often have lowbattery warning lights or available alarms, but these are oftenoverlooked in environments full of noise and distractions. Thus, thereexists a long felt and as of yet unmet need to provide additionalindicators of unsafe conditions and indications of low battery voltagein particular.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides apparatus for emitting a fragrancethat is connected to a battery, wherein a fragrance is emitted when apredetermined voltage level occurs in the battery. Either a voltage ismonitored and the mechanism automatically emits fragrance when a voltagebelow said predetermined value occurs, or the mechanism automaticallyemits fragrance when a voltage below said predetermined value is createdby activating a testing circuit. Preferably, the apparatus and one ormore batteries are constructed as a modular unit separable from a devicebeing supplied with power by said batteries. In certain embodiments, afragrance is sealed within a polymer that has a porosity that varies asa function of an electrical current flowing through the polymer, wherebyupon detection of a voltage below a predetermined level, the polymerreleases a fragrance.

[0007] In other embodiments, a chemical osmotic pump is provided and thepump is triggered to produce a fragrance upon detection of a voltagebelow a predetermined level, the polymer releases a fragrance. Incertain embodiments of the present invention, the battery is disposable,however, in other embodiments, the battery is rechargeable. In any ofthe apparatus contemplated herein, the fragrance is comprised of atleast one constituent having a low threshold of detectability and a lowdosage requirement and is preferably provided in the form of either afragranced polymer, gel, or a sponge into which fragrance has beenabsorbed.

[0008] In other embodiments, the present invention provides improvementsto devices that have a voltage monitor and a battery by providing afragrance emitting device comprising a trigger circuit connected to saidvoltage monitor. In certain preferred embodiments, the low batterydetection circuit in the device creates a low battery warning signalthat is connected to a first warning stimulus device, such as a horn,and this same warning signal is connected to a fragrance diffusiondevice so that the fragrance is emitted upon the same condition thatwould trigger the first stimulus device. In certain preferredembodiments, the fragrance diffusion device is a chamber that is openedto the environment, which may include a solenoid valve.

[0009] In certain other preferred embodiments, a melt polymer isprovided that releases fragrance by vaporization due to the addition ofheat, the heat may be from a heater element that converts electricalcurrent to heat or that converts friction to heat. The fragrance itselfmay diffuse naturally or be driven by a fan.

[0010] In an additional embodiment, a battery terminal is provided thaterodes, and when eroded to a certain point a polymer, gel or spongecontaining a fragrance will be exposed, thus emitting fragrance after apredetermined time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1A-1B is a perspective view of a smoke detector made inaccordance with the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a schematic of a circuit used to signal an event.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] In a first embodiment of the present invention apparatusintegrated with a battery or apparatus connected to the battery emits afragrance via an integral mechanism, either automatically when voltagedrops below a predetermined value, or alternatively when tested by theend user. This embodiment may be implemented in a variety of situations,for example in devices where the battery is at least somewhat exposed oraccessible for testing. This embodiment is most useful in devices thatare low cost and is also particularly useful in devices where thebattery itself is physically relatively large. In these embodiments,modular or external batteries are typically supplied.

[0014] There are a number of methodologies by which the first embodimentof the present invention can be implemented. A terminal that is designedto erode can be used and when eroded to a certain point a polymer, gelor sponge containing a fragrance will be exposed, thus emittingfragrance after a predetermined time.

[0015] Additionally, batteries can be constructed that contain areservoir that is triggered to produce a fragrance as the battery fails.In such embodiments, a consumer would “test” a suspect battery bysqueezing the battery to complete a circuit. A low voltage conditionresults in fragrance being emitted, whereas if the voltage wassufficiently high, the pump would not be activated or alternatively therelease of fragrance via a valve would not occur. Representativeexamples of goods in which this first embodiment of the presentinvention would find use are flashlights, toys, automobile batteries,storage batteries and batteries used in cordless and cellular phones.

[0016] In the embodiments described immediately above, thecharacteristics of the fragrance implemented would preferably be thatthey are very odor active, i.e., having a low threshold of detectabilityand a low dosage requirement, that the fragrance be distinctive and thatit not easily absorbed, particularly into plastics since in low costenvironments the fragrance will be housed in or impregnated in a plastichousing. Finally, in these embodiments the fragrance will not besubstantive.

[0017] In a second class of embodiment, a fragrance emitting device istriggered by voltage monitors similar to those currently built into manyelectronics. These embodiments of the present invention will findparticular applicability in devices where the battery is enclosed, or indevices where the battery is rechargeable. Additionally, theseembodiments of the present invention will find particular applicabilityin devices that can bear an incremental cost, in other words relativelyexpensive devices with high residual value that can absorb or justifythe minor expense involved with adding the improvements of the presentinvention. In such embodiments, the devices will typically have existinglow battery detection circuits that create a low battery warning signal.

[0018] In embodiments made in accordance with this aspect of the presentinvention, the existing warning stimulus, e.g., sound or light would bereplaced or augmented by the diffusion of a fragrance. This ispreferably accomplished using a fragranced polymer, gel, or a spongeinto which fragrance has been absorbed. The fragrance is emitted inthese embodiments by the action of a door, a solenoid valve, a meltpolymer, by vaporization due to the addition of heat, or by the actionof a fan. Alternatively, the fragrance can be activated by the heatcreated by friction or by conversion of electrical current, and suchsystems are designed so that when there is a voltage drop it triggersthe generation of heat, which in turn causes the fragrance to beemitted. Finally, a third implementation of this embodiment of thepresent invention is to provide a mechanical mechanism to eject orexpose fragrance upon the receipt of an electrical signal. For example,the signal that trips the alarm horn in a smoke detector (either due tofire or due to a low battery) could also cause a ribbon of fragrancecontaining polymer to drop down and suffuse fragrance into the spacebelow.

[0019] These embodiments of the present invention will find use, forexample, in camcorders, portable music equipment, computers and smokedetectors. As explained above, the fragrance chemicals will be lowthreshold/low dosage, distinctive and substantive. However, in theseembodiments, the fragrance may also be replaced, changed or otherwiseselected.

[0020] The specific example of detecting and signaling low batteryvoltage occurs in an electronic device by the emission of fragrance toindicate potential loss of power or the need to replace the battery caneither be in place of or complementing commonly used visual and/orauditory signals of low batteries. As explained above there are at leasttwo fundamentally different ways to implement the invention, eitherincorporating the signal as part of the battery itself, or as part ofthe device which the battery powers. Each has specific benefits andpreferred scenarios for use.

[0021] In any embodiment, the fragrance may be comprised of anychemical, or chemical mixture with an aroma. Obviously, thosechemicals/mixtures which provide an aroma suitable for the situation arepreferred. For example, signaling a low battery condition in a smokedetector may be best served via release of an unpleasant, diffusivesmell. The manner of retaining the fragrance prior to release cansimilarly be varied to fit the specific situation. Modes of retentionand delivery that may be used include: liquid mixtures, absorption offragrance on carriers such as silica, providing a matrix of fragrancewith suitable polymers, using natural products that contain aromatics(e.g., spices), and creating semisolid gels such as those used as airfresheners. What is important is that the fragrance be stabilized priorto release, and that once release is triggered an appropriate quantityof fragrance can be emitted so that the signal is perceived.

[0022] Many types of fragrances can be employed in the presentinvention, the only limitation being the compatibility with the othercomponents being employed in the invention, such as a polymer orcarrier.

[0023] Preferably fragrance which is employed in the device should bedistinctive, such that a person in the vicinity will recognize anuncommon fragrance in the area. The fragrance may be formulated to bepleasant or unpleasant thereby providing a signal to the person. Thefragrance may be comprised of a single chemical or a mixture of two ormore fragrances.

[0024] Suitable pleasant fragrances include but are not limited tofruits such as almond, apple, cherry, grape, pear, pineapple, orange,strawberry, raspberry; musk, leaf alcohol which is often described asthe cut-grass smell; flower scents such as lavender-like, rose-like,iris-like, and carnation-like. Other pleasant scents include herbalscents and woodland scents derived from pine, spruce and other forestsmells. Fragrances may also be derived from various oils, such asessential oils, or from plant materials such as peppermint, spearmintand the like.

[0025] Fragrance chemicals that provide unpleasant odors that can beemployed in the present invention include, but are not limited to,mercaptans such as H₂S; styrene, phenolics and amines such as ammonia.

[0026] A list of suitable fragrances is provided in U.S. Pat. No.4,534,891, the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if setforth in their entirety. Another source of suitable fragrances is foundin Perfumes Cosmetics and Soaps, Second Edition, edited by W. A.Poucher, 1959. Among the fragrances provided in this treatise areacacia, cassie, chypre, cylamen, fern, gardenia, hawthorn, heliotrope,honeysuckle, hyacinth, jasmine, lilac, lily, magnolia, mimosa,narcissus, freshly-cut hay, orange blossom, orchids, reseda, sweet pea,trefle, tuberose, vanilla, violet, wallflower, and the like.

[0027] Olfactory effective amount is understood to mean the amount ofcompound in perfume compositions the individual component willcontribute its particular olfactory characteristics, but the olfactoryeffect of the perfume composition will be the sum of the effects of eachof the perfume or fragrance ingredients. Thus the compounds of theinvention can be used to alter the aroma characteristics of the perfumecomposition, or by modifying the olfactory reaction contributed byanother ingredient in the composition. The amount will vary depending onmany factors including other ingredients, their relative amounts and theeffect that is desired.

[0028] The level of fragrance of the invention employed in the articlevaries depending on the intensity of the odor desired and the chemicalsemployed to produce the fragrance. Many fragrance chemicals have odorthresholds of less than 500 parts per million, commonly less than 100parts per million. Some fragrance ingredients have odor thresholds inthe parts per billion range. Preferably the fragrance chemicals whensignaling a low voltage situation of less than 500 parts per billion,more generally from about 50 to about 250 parts per billion. Well knownmaterials such as surfactants, emulsifiers, can also be employed withthe fragrance without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0029] Those with skill in the art will be able to employ the desiredlevel of the compounds of the invention to provide the desired fragranceand intensity.

[0030] Modes of achieving release once a low battery condition isachieved may also be varied. For example, one mode of release is that alow voltage condition triggers a door or valve to open; thus allowingfragrance held in a reservoir as either a liquid or gel to diffuse intothe environment. Another mode of release could be that a low voltagecondition triggers heating of a solid fragrance-polymer sheet, thuspromoting diffusion of the fragrance. Those of skill in the art willappreciate that the release may be triggered automatically, i.e., once aset low voltage is achieved or manually, i.e., when a battery or deviceis tested for low voltage.

[0031] Referring first to FIG. 1A, there is shown a smoke detector orsimilar device that is well known in the art. In accordance with thepresent invention, the smoke detector 100 is modified to include ahinged door 102 held in place by a solenoid a-activated latch 104. FIG.1B illustrates the condition of the smoke detector 100 upon theoccurrence of either a fire or a low battery condition. In either event,the smoke detector 100 already includes circuitry that sends a signal toan audible alarm circuit. However, in accordance with the presentinvention, this same signal also triggers the solenoid latch 104 to openand thereby exposes a portion of the housing such that a fragrance mayemanate, either naturally by convection or by forced vaporization, asexplained herein. It should be noted that there are useful embodimentswherein the fragrance is emitted only during a low battery warning, or,alternatively, wherein the fragrance is emitted only during a fire, orboth.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 2, a low-battery signaling circuit isillustrated. It should be understood that depending on the actualapplication, many methods of delivering a fragrance signal may be usedand the specific embodiment disclosed herein is for purposes ofillustration only. The circuit shown on FIG. 2 and thefragrance-signaling device that uses it are useful in any product thatis powered by a battery and is particularly useful for inexpensiveportable devices that lack space to incorporate a visual or audiblesignaling.

[0033] In FIG. 2, V_(b) is the battery powering a device. Attached inparallel to this battery is a circuit that releases a fragrance whenV_(b) drops below 6.0 vdc. The battery voltage V_(b) when fresh is 9.0vdc. Value for R1 is 1000 Ω, value for R2 is 1 MΩ. Zener diodes arereversed biased and Zener voltages are set D1=5.5 vdc and D2=6 vdc. Itis assumed that each zener diode has an internal resistance of 20 Ω.Transistor T1 is a reversed bias p-channel MOSFET with a thresholdvoltage of 0.1 vdc. In operation, the Zener diode D2 set the T1 anodevoltage at 6 vdc taking a voltage drop of 3 v through R2 (drawing 3 μA)Zener diode D1 is set a 5.5 vdc. For a new battery voltage on the gateof T1 is set at 8.8 v. Since the voltage on the gate is higher than onthe anode, no current flows from the anode to cathode of T1. Table 1shows the progression of the events as the battery ages: TABLE 1 BatteryT1 Bias Voltage Voltage, V_(b) Gate Voltage, V_(G) Anode Voltage, V_(A)V_(A) − V_(G) 9.0 8.82 6.0 −2.82 8.0 7.84 6.0 −1.84 7.0 6.89 6.0 −0.866.0 5.89 6.0 +0.11

[0034] Since T1 bias voltage is now greater than the T1 thresholdvoltage, transistor T1 begins to conduct. Capacitor C2, which wascharged to 6 vdc discharges current through T1 to the silicon-controlledrelay (SCR). The SCR pulls in contacts that connect the battery acrossthe fragrance releasing device (e.g., polymer-fragrance sheet heated,solenoid door opens releasing fragrance). The odor is perceived by theuser, who then is warned that the battery charge is low.

[0035] Finally, short distance communications such as Bluetooth or IEEE802.11b become more widespread, it is envisioned that a fragrancesignaling device such as shown above could be incorporated in somethingwearable, such as a watch. Household electronic devices could then “talkto” this wearable device and trigger a fragrance release. This wouldalert the wearer that an electronic device in the vicinity had a batterythat was near exhaustion.

[0036] The present invention has been discussed in terms of certainpreferred embodiments. Those of skill in the art will recognize thatvarious modifications may be made to the specific embodiments disclosedherein without departing from the scope of the invention. Althoughdiscussed primarily in terms of emitting a fragrance upon a low voltagecondition in a battery, it should be understood that the presentinvention is useful in other contexts and with a wide variety ofelectromechanical and electronic systems that might not be consideredbattery operated. Moreover, while certain features may be shown ordiscussed in relation to a particular embodiment, such individualfeatures may be used on the various other embodiments of the invention.Thus, there are numerous alternatives, modifications, adaptations beyondthose disclosed which still incorporate the spirit of the invention. Inorder to apprehend the full scope of the present invention, referenceshould be made to the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for emitting a fragrance connected to abattery, wherein a fragrance is emitted when a predetermined voltagelevel occurs in the battery.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein avoltage is monitored and the mechanism automatically emits fragrancewhen a voltage below said predetermined value occurs.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the mechanism automatically emits fragrance when avoltage below said predetermined value is created by activating atesting circuit.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus andone or more batteries are constructed as a modular unit separable from adevice being supplied with power by said batteries.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising a fragrance sealed within a polymer whereinthe polymer has a porosity that varies as a function of an electricalcurrent flowing through the polymer, whereby upon detection of a voltagebelow a predetermined level, the polymer releases a fragrance.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a chemical osmotic pump that istriggered to produce a fragrance upon detection of a voltage below apredetermined level, the polymer releases a fragrance.
 7. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the battery is rechargeable.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the fragrance is comprised of at least one constituenthaving a low threshold of detectability and a low dosage requirement. 9.The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the constituent is chosen from thegroup consisting of: a fragranced polymer, gel, or a sponge into whichfragrance has been absorbed.
 10. In a device comprising a voltagemonitor and a battery, the improvement comprises providing a fragranceemitting device comprising a trigger circuit connected to said voltagemonitor.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein a low battery detectioncircuit that creates a low battery warning signal is connected to afirst warning stimulus device, and wherein said warning signal isconnected to a fragrance diffusion device.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11wherein the fragrance diffusion device comprises a chamber that isopened to the environment.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein thefragrance diffusion device comprises a solenoid valve.
 14. The apparatusof claim 11 wherein the fragrance diffusion device comprises a meltpolymer that releases fragrance by vaporization due to the addition ofheat.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a heater elementthat converts electrical current to heat.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14,further comprising a heater element that converts friction to heat. 17.The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a fan for diffusing afragrance.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a mechanicalmechanism to expose fragrance upon the receipt of an electrical signal.19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the warning signal activates amechanism whereby a ribbon of fragrance containing polymer drops downand suffuses fragrance into a space below.
 20. A battery terminalcomprised of an erodable portion overlying a fragrance layer containinga fragrance wherein the erodable layer erodes and exposes the fragrance,thereby emitting fragrance after a predetermined time.
 21. A method ofsignaling a condition comprising the step of emitting a fragrance upondetection of an alarm signal.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein thealarm signal is a low battery voltage signal.
 23. The method of claim 21wherein the alarm signal is a detector signal for a dangerous condition.24. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of transmitting asignal to a fragrance emitting device via wireless network.